A man that allegedly killed eight people, because he needed access to their money and vehicles without them being around to report his crimes to the police, has been sentenced for one murder so far, as reported by Yahoo News from Galesburg, Ill.
The suspect, N.S., was convicted of murder this past September.
Illinois Judge J.S. sentenced N.S. to a lifetime prison sentence – without the possibility of parole – for the 2008 death of R.R. The judge also gave N.S. a concurrent 30-year sentence for aggravated vehicular hijacking, and seven years for possession of a stolen vehicle.
During June 2008, in both Illinois and Missouri, N.S. allegedly murdered seven more people before and after R.R. The murderous spree, where the victims were bludgeoned, lasted many days.
Prosecutors claimed that N.S. was motivated by the need to gain both money and transportation from his victims, as he was on the run from law enforcement. Murdering his victims was the only way he could stay hidden from the police without being detected.
R.R. was located behind a grocery story in Galesburg, while his missing vehicle was later found – with bloodstains – in an industrial area of St. Louis.
Nearby, Missouri authorities located two more bodies the same day that they had found R.R. – a couple from Arkansas that had been similarly murdered were found behind a gas station in Festus, Mo.
N.S. originally pleaded not guilty to all eight murders, then he told a judge he was ready to admit his guilt for the murder of R.R. But two months later, he changed his mind and decided not to admit any guilt.
Family members read victim impact statements in court that told how R.R. had been leading a happy life doing his yard work and going to the many sporting events that his family was engaged in.
R.R.'s daughter, C.S., said, "The devil is waiting for (N.S.)" and "I can't wait until I get the phone call or read the day he's dead. It will be the greatest day after today."
C.S. had shared with a reporter that she had wished that the state of Illinois hadn't abolished the death penalty so that N.S. would be eligible for it.
The state of Missouri still has capital punishment.
After the sentences were handed down both family and friends of R.R.'s released balloons in the air just outside of the courthouse. John Pepmeyer, the Knox County States Attorney, said, "Today was the (R.R.) family's day."
D.C., R.R.'s sister, said, "(N.S.) should never be able to hurt or kill anyone ever again."
N.S. continues to plead not guilty in the death of the Arkansas couple as well as five other people. The next trial is in regards to a 93 year-old man formerly of Sterling.
N.S. is from Sterling and it is believed that is where the homicidal spree began.
Jail time is only one outcome following criminal charges. Contact a criminal defense attorneyto help you gain, and maintain, your freedom.
